Skip fatty snacks. Nibble on fashion.

February 2008

February 29, 2008

I originally wrote about "style-esteem" last March. And after watching a couple of Oprah shows recently, I was compelled to resurrect the topic today.

When I meet people and tell them that I'm a wardrobe coach, I usually disclose my philosophy that I believe people show you how they feel about themselves by the way they leave the house each day. And I've had plenty of people tell me that while that may be true for others, my logic doesn't really apply to them. Oh, really? Let me tell you why I disagree with that notion.

When you love yourself, you take care of yourself and you take care to present yourself as a clean, well-dressed individual. You look good, which leads to you feeling even better. Conversely, when you throw on stained khaki pants and a shirt that's too small, you don't jump up and volunteer to pitch to the vice president of your department. You sink down in the chair and hope that your manager doesn't realize you forgot to put on deodorant today. This presentation of yourself is your style-esteem.

We all know what self-esteem is, right? Dictionary.com defines it as, a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself. Basically, self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. So what the heck is style-esteem, you may be asking? It’s a phrase I coined to describe how you display your self-esteem through the way you present yourself to the world.

We all have style-esteem whether you call it that or not. When I initially thought of this concept, I was thinking about how you dress and if you carried yourself as a well-groomed person. But the more I think about it, your style-esteem can be shown by the way you keep your home or your car. Do you hid behind a messy house or wardrobe because deep down you’re a mess? Is it easier to say that you don’t care about what other people think because you’re really afraid of what you think about yourself?

I make this point from the stance of self-reflection and not one of judgment. Whenever I watch What Not to Wear, I’m always nodding in confirmation when the person being made over is brought to tears because their new look makes them feel better about themselves. Taking time to care about your appearance is not wasted time. It’s time well spent on YOU. And if you don’t feel comfortable with that, your esteem, however you describe it, can use a makeover.

February 28, 2008

Yes, this is a picture of me. I won't give any excuses. I'll admit to my wrong doing. And these pants are just wrong! This pic is a great example of how pockets don't work on people who have hips and a butt. These pockets puckered as soon as I put them on. One way to correct this problem is to have the pockets sewn shut. Honestly, I shouldn't have bought them in the first place. Damn the Old Navy clearance rack!

February 27, 2008

Sorry for hiatus but I needed a couple of days to get back on track. No, I wasn't partying like a rock star on the cruise. I actually started feeling sick on the last day on the ship and I've pretty much been battling my body to stave off a total meltdown.

But enough of that sad tale, the cruise was amazing and Cozumel, Mexico was incredible! I snorkeled and didn't drown (but boy was it close). I tried a spinning class for the first time and didn't collapse. And I got one hell of a tan! Since my camera is on the brink, I had to take a disposable one so I won't have any pics until tomorrow. There was a lot of great style on the ship but of course I witnessed a few WhatWentWrongs! Stay tuned!! lol

I hope all of you are well and I can't wait to find out what kind of shopping you've been enjoying in my absence. Have a wonderfully stylish day!!!

February 22, 2008

I received this picture a couple of weeks ago with a caption that read, "Gucci addiction + gold shoe addiction is harder to kick than crack..." And, "What can I say? There's no such thing as window shopping at Gucci."

I think we have a situation here. The same person, and I'm not mentioning any names but you know who you are, who purchased these gold Gucci clogs, also picked up a new Gucci handbag in recent weeks. Maybe it's time to revisit my post on being a shopaholic. It's just a suggestion.

February 21, 2008

Hello everyone!
I just wanted to let you know that I will be traveling this weekend. As I mentioned yesterday, I am going on a cruise this weekend for some much needed relaxation. Most of the trip will be at sea with the exception of a full day stop in Cozumel, Mexico!

Since I'm not taking my laptop (gasp!), there will be a delayed response for approving comments over the next few days. Please leave your thoughts and comments as you normally do, and I'll post them as soon as I have internet access.

February 20, 2008

My dear friend, Karla, requested that I write a post on how to pack for a weekend trip. This pic shows all of the stuff I'm taking on my 3-day cruise to Mexico this weekend. And yes, it all fits in the carry-on bag displayed on the side.

So how do I do it? What's my method for packing light and having everything I need? It's pretty simple. Here is my packing strategy for short trips:

* Double-duty - Pick items that can serve more than one purpose. I have 3 dresses here and 2 of them can be used as a bathing suit cover-up or while strolling the streets of Mexico.

* Neutral color palette - Select foundation pieces (pants, skirts, or dresses) in basic colors like black, white, or khaki. Then add different colored shirts and mix and match the various pieces. If you pack similar colors you'll ensure that all of the items compliment each other.

* Use space saving bags - These creative bags are every travelers best friend. You push out the excess air in the plastic bag with your hands instead of a vacuum like in the old days. Your clothes will look like they're dry packed and you'll be able to squeeze more stuff in your luggage.

* Don't pack every shoe you own - I know this tip is hard for a lot of women but taking a bunch of shoes on a short trip eats up too much of your luggage space. Your travel wardrobe becomes a lot less complicated if you take shoes that can be worn with more than one outfit. Trust me. It's okay.

For more smart packing tips, please review my previous posts in the Smart Travel section of this site.

February 15, 2008

I know these cellphone pics won't let you expand the view so you can really see the fashion flaws up close, so I apologize for the teaser photo. But one of my readers sent this to me and I had to share it with all of you. I personally love cowboy boots and I don't think they're the problem.

The culprit here is the too, tight jeans! Why, people, why!! I love tight jeans. Those who know me, know that statement is very true. But at a certain point, super tight jeans begin to look super unflattering. Trust me, this is one of those times.

February 14, 2008

I was hanging out with some friends recently when I noticed this lady wearing the sweetest, suede boots. I was surprised to learn that these lovelies were created by Nine West.

Now I know the urge to pair these boots with a black top and shiny black handbag is more than a strong impulse. It's practically an innate inclination! But hold on, before you grab another black bag. I think a colored one in any deep red or pink hue would be a wonderful compliment to the boots. I love this clutch from Steve Madden.

February 13, 2008

I think Ashanti looks stylish in this pic, primarily because her makeup is simple and elegant. But the shoes are the show-stopper here! You can always take a basic black dress and make it phenomenal with fantastic accessories. And fancy shoes always do the trick! If you're looking for something to kick up your little black dress, check out these rhinstone sandals from Pelle Moda for $157.95 at Zappos.com.

February 12, 2008

Okay, a comment from yesterday's post from WBL prompted today's title question. WBL wanted to know if I could be stylish in 5 degree weather locales like Detroit. And I happily accepted the challenge!

So how do you exude style and give a nod to fashion when it's so cold you can't think straight, let alone put together an outfit? Here are the tips I live by when pairing style with cold weather climates:
* LAYER, LAYER, LAYER - Oh yeah, did I mention you need to layer your clothes? This step is the first level of defense against freezing temperatures. Tights can be your best friend, especially if you don't like long johns. And if you wear a shirt and a sweater, don't forget to put on another base layer like a t-shirt. (Note: I call this my courtesy three layers.) And don't worry about looking like a stuffed polar bear, feel free to remove some of the outer layers when you reach your destination.

* STYLE + WARMTH - The top layer must be warm and stylish. There are so many coat choices these days, you don't have to choose between cute and warm. And I've seen fantastic outwear options at all price points from Old Navy to Bloomingdales so don't think you have to spend your grocery money on a nice, cozy coat.

* DON'T FORGET THE HAT! - Now that my hair is literally growing like a tree, I can barely get a hat on it without making it look like a seriously impaired afro. So if you don't have a stylish hat option to choose from, wrap your head in a pretty scarf. Add lined gloves and you're ready to hit the cold streets.